8. The Son of God is also called the
“image” and “effulgence” and
“expression” [of God], for these names have disclosed the
Father’s incomprehensible and unsearchable Majesty dwelling in
the Son, and the expression of His likeness in Him. These three
names, then, as we see, refer to [the Son’s] likeness [to the
Father]. See Heb. i. 3. “Splendor” is St.
Ambrose’s rendering of ἀπαύγασμα.
Theodoret says: “The radiance” (or
“effulgence”) “of a fire comes from it and
accompanies it. The fire causes the radiance, but the radiance is
inseparable from the fire. Also the radiance of the fire is of
the same nature with it; so also is the Son of the same nature with the
Father.” Theophylact—“The sun is never seen
without his radiance, and we cannot think of a father without his
child.” Delitzsch—“It is no nimbus around God
that is here called His “glory,” but God’s own
inconceivable, spiritual fire and brightness (die übersinnliche
geistige Feuer und Lichtnatur Gottes selber), which He, in order to
reveal Himself to Himself, makes an object to Himself” (aus
sich heraussetzt).